If any Jags fans aren't happy after last nights pick of Justin Blackmon, which it seems like there's very few, just think what could have happened. Just think if they would have stayed at 7 and chose the player who was chosen at that spot, Mark Barron. The fan base would be up in arms. Or what if they took Fletcher Cox, probably a good enough player, but wouldn't have caused much excitement with the fans. They could have reached for Mercilus or even Coples. I wasn't sold on Blackmon or even the prospect of drafting a wide receiver that high, but after watching more film, I'm sold and this was the best pick by Gene Smith, hands down. One more thing, the lone fact that Jeff Fisher and the Rams wanted Blackmon and we snatched him right in front of them, makes this pick even sweeter.

I know the Jaguars and their fans are ready to sign a wide receiver that can excel as a number one receiver. One who can stretch the field and get deep. I'm a frustrated fan, too. But to choose a wide receiver with our seventh pick just to show the disgruntled fans that the Jags are "all in" could be a mistake. Over the past 10 years, wr's who have been chosen in the top 10, fail more than succeed. Most of the ones who have done really well are the physical freaks like Calvin and Andre Johnson, along with Larry Fitzgerald.To force the issue and choose a receiver in the top ten will be extremely detrimental to the improvement of the Jags. If we choose a receiver who turns out just average, we miss out on getting a top 10 talent at another position. I don't think any of the receivers expected to be chosen high in the first round of this years draft fit the mold of a dominating number 1 receiver. Blackmon and Floyd look like complimentary receivers. I think you're more likely to hit a homerun at this position with someone in the late first or second round, like Steve Johnson, Alshon Jeffrey, or A.J. Jenkins. The Jags have several positions that need attention. I think we should choose the BAP at 7 who fits one of those areas whether its OL, secondary, or defensive line. You can never have too many interior linemen, especially on defense where a rotation seems to works well. Also, the DE position is fairly deep this draft, maybe get one in the third round like Cam Johnson. If the Jags choose Blackmon, of course I will pull for him to be the man, but I really have my doubts. With all this said, can't wait for tomorrow night!

If I were allowed the opportunity to call the shots as the G.M. of the Jaguars here are a few things I would consider.

1) I would be on the horn with the Oakland Raiders general manager and test the waters in regards to what players on their current roster could be had for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round draft pick since they don't have a pick until the 5th round this year. Maybe a DT for the rotation or a WR. Every team likes to participate in the draft and I think the Raiders would want an earlier pick than the 5th round.

2) I would convince Khan to have a early season game where everyone with a ticket would recieve a replica jersey. I know this would be expensive, (60,000 jerseys x approximately $50 would equal $3 million) but you would have that many more jerseys out in the public, advertising your product. Maybe a lot of money, but whats 3 million to a billionaire wh is "all in".

3) Try to find a way to add Michael Floyd, Brian Quick, and Chris Rainey to the roster through the draft . Speed kills, and I don't know how fast Quick is but he sounds fast!

I know I maybe lambasted for these opinions but thats fine because I really believe that BCC has some of the most knowledgable and well informed fans, not all of them but a lot.

isn't the draft setting up really good for the Jags to be able to trade down if they desire. A majority of the mock drafts I have seen just recently, have the Dolphins choosing Ryan Tannehill with the 8th pick. If just one team drafting after the Dolphins really like and want Tannehill, it seems like the Jags are in the perfect spot to trade with that team. If this premise is true, what teams out there might trade up ahead of the Dolphins to get Tannehill? If this happens, I would love to get Michael Floyd and the highest ranked DE with our 1st second round pick.

did a smart thing in this situation? Jacksonville will probably take the most heat, especially from the fans and local media, for their role. However, from a football team making the smartest decision stand point, I think the Jaguars are definitely the winners. Take Denver first, they signed a 36 year old QB who is recovering from 4 neck surgeries. I think these injuries will eventually present a problem, maybe sooner than later. If Manning would have blown out a knee and had surgery, I don't think it would be too much of a problem for him to come back, being the drop back type QB he is. But a neck injury, like a shoulder or back injury, tend to cause more of a reoccuring problem, especially the older you get. Then they traded their former 1st round draft pick and their starting QB, who won a playoff game for them last year, and was also the NFL's most popular player, for a 4th round draft pick! Now look at the Jets, the biggest dysfunctional circus in the NFL, with perhaps the most fragile QB in the NFL, psyche wise, and now they're bringing in another circus by trading for Tebow. A locker room that is already divided, now has to handle a young guy gettin a large majority of the media coverage. Finally the Jags, who may have given an honest effort to get Tebow, probably mostly by the owner and not management, but in the end, did the smartest thing in order to let their 1st round investment Blaine Gabbert, develop under a new and almost assuredly improved coaching staff. To me its a no brainer, Jacksonville played their hand the best.

The trade seems to have hit a snag. Something in Tebows contract that might void the trade and he may still be on the market. Please make it stop! I cant take it anymore! Please let this whole Tebow thing end. The Rams seem to be where he might go now. Maybe its divine intervention. I dont know just want it to end. I guess we will see soon enough!!! Go Jags!! No More Tebow talk. Please!

Tebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank God
Tebow is a Jet, Thank God
Tebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank GodTebow is a Jet, Thank God

according to Peter King. So his price might exceed his worth for sure. Also saw that Dwight Freeney is on the trading block, but his age and price might make it not such a good option. Even though John Abraham is 33, might not be a bad addition depending on price.(he's #25 on Kings list). Maybe we can sign 2 or 3 of the top 50 FA's and turn this thing around.

After all that has been written in blogs and mock drafts, I have come to the conclusion that this is my wish list for the Jags in free agency and the draft. First, I would try to sign the main 4 or 5 Jaguars free agents including Mincey, Lowery, and Scobee. Then I would pursue Mike Wallace, even giving up our first round pick, try to sign Mario Williams early by throwing a bunch of cash his way. Then I would try to sign the DB from the Giants who was out injured last year. I would sign a #2 receiver like Douglas, Lloyd, or Manningham(even though he's probably looking for #1 money) and maybe a free agent to add depth to the O line. In the second round of the draft, I would try to get the best WR available,maybe Jeffrey or Sanu, but if not go for the BPA in one of our needy areas. I would draft Rainey with a 5th or later draft pick as a slot receiver because of his speed and maybe look at draft the maligned WR Posey from Ohio State in the late rounds if he shows well at the combine.

Joe Philbin, Dennis Allen, Jeff Fisher, and Greg Schiano if he does get hired by the Bucs. Just wondering how Jags fans feel as far as who they would rather have of the new hires than Mike Mularkey. Call me a homer but I like our guy as well as any of them, including Fisher. I'm behind this coaching staff %100! Fisher's record is just okay in my opinion, for the price, definitely overrated and over paid!

free agents? What does being a "restricted " free agent mean exactly? I believe that the 2012 free agents from the Colts this year are much more likely to sign elsewhere because of the turmoil within their organization so maybe we can try and sign Robert Mathis instead of Rashean Mathis. Does Reggie Wayne still have enough left in him to make it worth the Jags pursuit and is Garcon an elite receiver on his own?

The Jaguars picking Devon Still, DT from Penn State. Maybe thats a great pick but with all the needs the Jags have, I don't think DT is high on the list. I guess if he is the BAP then you might take him. I will be frustrated and disappointed if this is the Jags pick. They also have 3 receivers going in the first round but not Jefferies. I do realize the draft is a hit or miss situation, especially at WR, but I can't see him lasting too far past the first round.

I have and since I consider some of the contributors to Big Cat Country the best informed, figured this was a good place to present them. First of all, if Mel Tucker does really well the next few games and is named HC, will the rest of the staff stay intact, in particualr, Dirk Koetter? How come the Times Union's online site headlines with a story about Khan's company and how it may be responsible for some environmental violations from a couple of years ago, is there an agenda? One observation, I think that Tim Tebows professional career is peaking too early. He has done a good job, been extremely lucky, and all these comebacks have been against non playoff teams except for maybe 2 wild card teams. I think I would still prefer Gabberts long term prospectives. I hope you guys don't blast me too bad for these questions and observations.

Wow. Looks like the Jaguars did well in the 2011 schedule. @ Monday night games, one Thursday night game, and one Saturday game! Not Bad! The Ravens and Chargers on Monday night, the Falcons on Thursday night, and the Titans on a Saturday. Feels Good! Hopefully we can play well this year since we will be in the national spot light several times. Go Jags! I was not expecting such a great schedule. Who would have thought it would be this good?

known more for his running abilities and ability to scramble than his throwing accuracy and ability to make all of the throws, won a Super Bowl? I would rather have a QB that is a precise passer and can make the tight throws, especially at crunch time. I think if you depend on your QB to make a lot of yardgae with his feet, you're probably not going to win too many championships. Guys like Starr, Montana, Aikman, Steve Young, Brady, Brees, Matt Ryan, Manning, and Roethlisberger. I know Young was good scrambler but he was also a very precise passer. Roethlisberger is good at avoiding pressure and being hard to bring down in the pocket but he hardly ever scrambles downfield for significant yardage. Guys like Brady, Montana, and Aikman had the ability to move a few steps to avoid pressure and make good throws. Michael Vick showed last week why he will probably never win a championship. His last minute interception could have been a game winner if he would have made a good pass. When you get to the playoffs and play tougher competition, teams can take away the QB's abitlity to scramble. I guess Tim Tebow had a decent rookie season, but he only had two more TD passes than interceptions and only hit about 50% fo his passes. He did run for 6 TD's but I'm not so sure that is a good sign if I'm a Denver fan. I hope if the Jags have the chance to draft Cam Newton, I really hope they pass. I just feel he will fall in line with Vince Young, Russell, and etc.  I hope they can draft a playmaker on defense at any position than tackle with the first rounder and pick up a QB in the second round, without going away from the BAP drafting philosphy. I think if he is healthy and performs well at the combine or private workout, Christian Ponder would be a good second round pick.(This may be a biased opinion because i am a Seminole fan)

before the season started. Most informed Jaguar fans thought they would be at best an 8-8 or maybe a 9-7 team. However, fueled by several young players and a few top notch free agent signings, the Jags performed well early and even over-achieved at times. This success bred  an optimism amongst fans that the Jags were true playoff contenders. Because of this optimism, the last part of the Jags season is viewed by many as a collapse. I don't neccessarily agree. Of the final 3 games, considering the circumstances, we lost the games we we're expected to lose and lost to a Washington team we should have beat. If it was a collapse, it was partly due to injuries to major players. In reality, we were closer to a 6-10 team this year than a 10-6 team. We lost 6 games by an average of 21 points and won 6 games by an average of 6.3  points. We were still cutting and signing starting safeties, your last line of defense, 5 or 6 games into the season. With the exception of Daryl Smith, our linebackers should have their faces on milk cartons. We have a great nucleus of young players, mostly acquired by Gene Smith and this is why I think Jack should be given one more year. I don't think many coaches could win with first round picks like Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Byron Leftwich and so on. With that said, I have no problem if we digress this next year , that JDR be fired. Unfortunately, we can be vastly improved next year, and because of the schedule, finish close to 8-8 again. We play 7 games against this years playoff teams plus Tampa Bay and San Diego. Fortunately, we have games against Cleveland, Cinncinatti, and Carolina. I hope we draft a young QB to back up Garrard so he can learn while DG leads the team, and if DG does get hurt or is totally uneffective, we can start playing his successor instead of guys like Boumann, Edwards, Couch, etc. I also hope we sign a high profile free agent linebacker or safety because I think our d line will get better with age. I'm through venting, I had great season ticket seats in the corner of the Hail Mary pass, and I look forward to next years games. Thanks to all the people here at BCC for months of Jaguar enjoyment, I think I'll start playing golf now until the free agent signings and draft in a few months. Happy New Year. 

I know we played poorly, but its not as bad as some Jag fans seem to think. It's games like this past Sunday that makes listening to sports radio, listening to local sportscasters, and even reading  Ask Vic a frustrating ordeal. Can you believe an Ask Vic reader wanting to know if we should trade for Vick? I think that's embarrassing to most Jaguar fans. First of all, we were supposed to lose to the Chargers, a top echelon team at home. Albeit, I wish we would have played better, but it's only 1 game. I would rather have Garrard throw 4 picks in 1 game than to spread them out over 2 or 3 games. Just look around the NFL, the Niners get blown out by the Seahawks, who proceed to get blown out by the Broncos. Then the Niners give the defending champs all they could handle last night. Then the Patriots get doubled up by the Jets who couldn't score a touchdown the week before. And now the Jets have more problems with Braylon Edwards getting popped for a dui last night. Also, Tennessee, our hated rival, benched their starter and onky scored 11 points. K.C. and Tampa Bay are 2-0 and Dallas and Minnesota are 0-2. So it's not as bad as it seems, the Jags just have to focus and not let this 1 loss turn into 2 or 3. I think we have something for the Eagles this week, and I look for us to get back in the win column.

but I think he deserves more credit than he gets and heres why. The last time he played behind an offensive line that wasn't decimated by injuries or part of a rebuilding which included 2 rookie tackles starting, he participated in a shootout with one of the best qb's of all time(Brady), in a second round playoff game on the road.  If one thing Garrard has shown, it's the ability to lead the team on long, time consuming drives. I agree the red zone problems are a concern, but if the o line plays well and MJD stays healthy, I think these problems will desist. In 2007, I remember several long, time consuming drives by Garrard and the Jags that usually came at a vital time in the game. In fact, and I don't know for sure, but I think they might have set the NFL record with a 20 play touchdown drive against tthe Steelers. Those long drives were one of the reasons the Jags played good defense in 2007, they were well rested lots of time. I do believe that Garrard is hesitant to throw to his 1st receiver unless he's wide open and checks down too much, but with enough time, it doesn't matter as much. As well as McCown has played this pre-season, excluding last night maybe, to think he can lead this team better than Garrard is a mistake.

Suffering from severe Jonesing, waiting for tonight's practice, I decided to create a new fanpost for it's therapeutic effect. I boldly predict that the Jags will make the playoffs but more importantly they will restore the faith and support of Jag fans by becoming the team you do not want to be playing late in the season. The defense will regain it's reputation as a tough, hard-nose, and violent defense. 5 or maybe 6 players on the Jags offense will score 4 or more touchdowns. The D will more than double last years sack total, not that far of a stretch. Mike Thomas becomes a star, MJD will solidify his status as one of the games best, and Garrard plays closer to the year he had in '07 than '08 or '09. The TE combo will become one of the best all around in the league. Our defensive secondary thrives because of the vastly improved pass rush, led by Harvey's first double digit sack total and Kampmans consistency and leadership. Morrison fits right in with Smith and Durrant, leading a team that looks like it knows how to tackle. I know these are overly optimistic predictions but maybe if a couple of them come close to happening, the Jags will be back and more than relevant in North Florida and points beyond.

Even though I had convinced myself a long time ago, because I completely trust what Wayne Weaver says every time he talks, that the jags were here to stay, I hope the combination of Everbank's stepping up along with positive news on ticket sales, that the national media finally gets it. Now they can pick on and make jokes about Buffalo, Oakland, or whoever else they choose. The Jags are back and ready to roar at Everbank Field! I like how Vic says in appreciation to what Everbank has done, he will always refer to the stadium as "Everbank Field". Me too.

in a strip club assault. Seems like he was finally getting his head straight and now this major screw up.(if charges are correct) Oh well, it couldn't happen to a better team, unless it's the Titans or Colts. Need more words to reach 75, so what do ya'll think of this latest news? I hate to see these things happen but better them than us? I guess it livens up the dead zone for Titan fans!

this dead zone is almost excruciating. Tom Petty had it right, "the waiting is the hardest part." I'm sorry, but as glad as I am for the Sharks early success, it ain't the NFL. Until the season gets here, I get my fix by creating a fanpost on BCC and looking forward to the responses, both negative and positive, from whom I consider the most informed and passionate Jag fans anywhere, the BCC readers and contributors. I apologize if what I'm writing is lame or uninteresting, but it seems to be therapeutic....Before GeneSmith took over, we drafted potheads, now we draft "pot roasts".   Before, we took players from the SEC and wasted several high draft picks, now we draft players from the west coast and small colleges, much to the chagrin of SEC homers.....You have blacksmiths, silversmiths, and wordsmiths, and now we have our own genesmith. A genesmith is someone who has the power to accurately access the genetic make up of a perspective NFL player , not affected by public opinion.....Before, we frequently spent the off season tracking the police blotter for Jaguars gone bad. Now we have players who are really involved in the community, even meeting fans to watch a movie and footing the total bill......Is it August yet??? 

The Mathis situation made me start thinking about who are the leaders on this team. I fall on the side that thinks the greatest leaders are born  to lead and it's not a personality trait that is easily learned. I think with astronauts and pilots it's called the "right stuff". Some leaders are vocal and some lead by example. I think the best leaders are a combination of both. Is Mathis a leader? I love the guy, he's a hometown boy who has excelled in high school, college, and pro, all in his own backyard. He's also a playmaker, at least he was a couple of years ago. But I don't think he's a leader. I don't know if there is a real leader on our defense. Heyward is a leader but age and injuries has limited his time to lead. Daryl Smith is a really good and consistent linebacker, but he doesn't strike me as a leader. Donovan Darius was a great leader. Mike Peterson was a great leader. Tony Brackens was a leader. Marcus Stroud was a leader. Great leaders lead differently, some more demonstrative than others, however, you can usually tell who the leaders are after watching a game. The good news is that I think Alualu and Morrison will lead this defense.

Just curious to what ya'll think of our offensive coordinator. I see where the Jags fans blame the offensive woes on Garrard, the O line, the receivers and such. There are good arguments to support these views, but I have to say I am one who has been critical of Koetter's playcalling and I think he needs to step it up this year and be both more innovative and consistent. He has shown some great play calling, I think it was early in the yearagainst Houston where he had Mike Thomas coming in motion through the backfield on a lot of plays, causing problems and also Garrards naked bootleg that set the tone early. It's frustrating but it seems like on every 2nd and one or two yards for a first, we always run right up the middle, usually creating 3 and short. Play action on second and short is where the good teams exploit the opposing defense. This just one example but I think Koetter needs to spread it around and not always be so predictable. I think Lewis, MSW, MJD, Miller, Thomas, Dillard,  and the rest of the backs and receivers give you enough weapons if Garrard can get good protection and Koetter can improve his play calling

and I don't want to be like the guy asking "hey guys, who want's hot biscuits?" I know it's a slow and painful time and people are trying to inspire great dialogue but there just isn't thing out there. I have 2 questions that I have been curious about and hopefully I'm not breaking protocol or displaying poor etiquette. First, I really enjoy a lot of the contributors to BCC and the guys who run it do a great job. I don't want to get personal but I am curious to what the demographic breakdown of the Jag fans who read BCC with a passion. I'm a male in my early fifties, married with 4 stepsons. Wasn't trying to come off as creepy or anything, it's just comforting and reassuring to know there are younger fans that have a lot of passion and hopefully some fans that are older than me. The other question, and I know asking it here means the answer will probably be more subjective than objective, but how does BCC rate against the rest of the SBNation pro sites. I've visited the Seminoles site on SBN and its really a great site. Are the rest of the NFL's sites this good? Oh yeah, if this post is offensive in any way, its because one of my stepsons got on posing as me.

Does anyone know anything about Teddy Lehman, the linebacker who just signed with the Jags? More depth can't hurt but I wish he was a safety. I actually thought he was a golfer! Just curious on a different subject, does anyone on here play in a "local" fantasy league where you actually meet to have the draft? I play alot of the online leagues but miss the memories of actually knowing who you're trying to beat!

from an optimistic Jag fan. First of all, this dead zone thing is killing me. I check BCC every couple of hours just hoping to see a headline of a player we may be pursuing by trade or free agency but I guess there's a reason they call it the dead zone. Being a Jaguars fan who just recently became a season ticket holder, I am really pumped and optimistic about the upcoming season and seasons. Here are some random thoughts of how I see things playing out. First, I know a lot of fans and local media are concerned about our receiving corps. With good protection from our improving O line, I think the weapons are there for Garrard to have a really balanced attack. Mike Thomas will score at least 1 TD on a bubble screen, MSW will continue to progress nicely and by the end of the year, the TE combination of Lewis, Miller, and Wilford will be near the top of the league. MJD will continue to be dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield, so I think we have the makings of a very good and balanced offense. The good thing about the defense is that it probably couldn't get any worse than last years. We will more than double last years sack total with all the young and hungry D linemen, not such a bold statement considering we had only 14 last year. With any sign of a defensive rush, some maligned players in our secondary(Reggie Nelson) will be reborn and show great improvement.(maybe not in tackling but in coverage) Luke McCown could become the smartest move by Gene Smith yet. In response to all the stories about the Tebow jerseys, all Jags who have Jags jerseys should wear them for sure to the first game against Denver, teal jerseys best. Knock on wood, but this high character strategy seems to be working as far as off season troubles. The next five years will surpass the first 5 years of the franchise. If eighty percent of this comes true, I'll be one happy Jag fan. I guess the key phrase in all of this is "optimistic Jag fan", a guy can dream right?  

how easy it is to get season tickets even if you are on a limited budget or have less than stellar credit. I know they have done a great job of getting out the info on 30 games for 30 months with no down payment or interest. Unfortunately at the age of 52 I became a displaced worker(nice way of saying unemployed) last summer. Even though I had some money saved up, I didn't have the lump sum previously needed to get season tickets. Being unemployed and having bad credit, I thought there was no way I could swing the tickets. However, I called yesterday and found out all you need is a debit card and there is no credit check. I bought 2 tickets and I have 6 months to pay, with the payments taken out each month. If you end up not being able to pay this is no penalty, you just lose your tickets. I'm not suggesting anyone should buy tickets and not be able to put food on the table, I just think the Jags should let people know that the terms are very customer friendly. I guess I should be less candid about my financial situation but right now I'm feeling a lot of civic pride in helping my hometown of Jacksonville keep a very important asset, an N.F.L. team. Go Jags!!

Saw this on footballnewsnow.com today........

Veteran safety Darren Sharper could have a new home in the NFL early this week.

The 34-year-old defensive back who helped propel the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory last season is closing in on a deal according to Mike Florio at PFT.

The team is not exactly known, but could very likely wind up being the Jacksonville Jaguars whom he visited last week.

It should be noted that the Saints also have an offer on the table for Sharper.

Per Florio, the deal could be done as soon as Monday

for a couple of years, however, lets look at what we do know. We do know that we now have a productive linebacker who is just reaching his prime. We also increased the price we got for Groves from a 5th round pick to a 4th round pick. I think if you look at this years draft as a whole, Gene Smith did a good job. I still don't get how so many people trust the mock drafts and power boards of mostly reporters over the judgement of someone who was hired by a multi-millionaire to do the picking.